A Bride For Isaac
Among pastoral tribes the matrimonial arrangements are made by the parents, and a youth must marry, not among strangers, but in his own tribe--custom giving him a claim, which is seldom or never resisted, to the hand of his first cousin. But Abraham had a far higher motive--a fear lest, if his son married into a Canaanitish family, he might be gradually led away from the true God. (ROBERT JAMIESON)
This was an earthenware water jar or pitcher with one or two handles that women used to carry water, usually on the head or shoulder. In the home, the water would be poured into a larger pot for household use—the pot would hold from 20 to 30 gallons. In John 2:6, the KJV speaks of a water pot holding two or three firkins; a firkin is about 9 gallons. If only one woman was in the home, she might have to make several trips to the well before the pot was filled—unless she had servants to get the water for her. There was an advantage, therefore, for the town to be built close to the well, but not so close that the dust stirred up in the town’s streets would dirty the water.
We must take heed of being over-bold in urging what God should do, lest the event should weaken our faith, rather than strengthen it. But God owned him by making his way clear. Rebekah, in all respects, answered the characters he sought for in the woman that was to be his master’s wife. When she came to the well, she went down and filled her pitcher, and came up to go home with it. She did not stand to gaze upon the strange man his camels, but minded her business, and would not have been diverted from it but by an opportunity of doing good. She did not curiously or confidently enter into discourse with him, but answered him modestly. Being satisfied that the Lord had heard his prayer, he gave the damsel some ornaments worn in eastern countries; asking at the same time respecting her kindred. On learning that she was of his master’s relations, he bowed down his head and worshipped, blessing God. His words were addressed to the Lord, but being spoken in the hearing of Rebekah, she could perceive who he was, and whence he came